Dear Doctor,
Chiropractic turns 113 years old on Thursday, September 18, 2008, and we have
both a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to. We are still the largest
and most influential non-medical healing profession, and of course that’s good –
and, we also still struggle against the status quo to jockey for better position
to demonstrate the value and impact of our work.
One significant effort to move the process along is the Summit, a gathering of
top leaders in chiropractic sponsored by the ACA, aimed at creating a confluence
of thought and action to streamline our proper integration into the health and
wellness marketplace. In a rare and welcome display of unity, thirty two
entities, including many of the major organizations, colleges, consultants and
vendors, came together on August 21 for a day of masterminding and
problem-solving, intending to emerge with one voice to represent our profession
effectively to the public and the legislature.
ICA President John Maltby commented, “The challenges facing the chiropractic
profession require a continuous dialogue between the parties involved in the
Summit if workable solutions are to be found and implemented. The extensive and
open nature of the Summit discussions at all levels is the most positive sign
anyone could have hoped for and signals an historic potential for progress.”
It certainly is about time that we stopped circling the wagons and shooting in,
and this Summit is evidence that we are finally maturing enough to put aside our
differences and work toward the common good. These high level meetings are only
as productive as our willingness to see each other’s viewpoint will allow, so
this is both a pooling of resources and an exercise in co-leadership, vital if
we are to evolve as a profession.
What is your position on chiropractic unity? It is your right to practice as you
wish, as long as it conforms to the laws and standards of your jurisdiction. But
the question is, do you think yours is the only right way? The best way? Is your
technique good and others not so good? Is your communication to your patients
supportive of all chiropractic approaches, or does an elitist attitude creep
into your conversation? Are you a chiro-separatist, or a chiro-ambassador?
Unity is more than industry leaders agreeing on key points. Chiropractic unity
is dependent on shared vision, cooperation and building up all chiropractic
brothers and sisters in strong and noble thought. If the field chiropractor
isn’t experiencing the feelings and benefits of unity, the results will be
lessened, but if every chiropractor embraces the opportunity to respect and
honor each other, we would quickly see that our discrepancies pale in comparison
to our commonalities.
Find ways to show your support of the unity movement – join and donate to your
favorite associations, refer to the schools, and participate in your own way,
whether it’s to become involved, or simply to develop a tendency toward peaceful
co-existence with those who are not exactly like you. That kind of understanding
leads not only to enhancing chiropractic as a career choice, but also provides
better and more complete health and wellness care to those we serve.
Dennis Perman DC,
for The Masters Circle
PS To participate in Discover Wellness Day on Thursday, go to
www.DiscoverWellnessMonth.com
and download your free materials to promote wellness in your community. Also,
SuperConference is coming up, with an amazing array of speakers, including
Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad) – this is a must see event, please call
800-451-4514 or go to
www.themasterscircle.com to find out more.
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